Tuning of Hulam

Our instruments are tuned differently from traditional instruments like piano or guitar. However, one does not need to be concerned with the tuning at all, since the aluminum tubes are permanently stable in terms of the sound frequency they emit.  As a result, Hulam does not get out of tune over time or due to everyday usage. Thus, repetitive tuning by the user is unnecessary because it stays as manufactured by default over the course of its lifetime.

We prefer pure intonation tuning for our instruments. As the term suggests, it is based on natural resonance of a solid body. This type of tuning is also known as pure or Didymic (after music theoretician Didymus). Natural tuning produces perfect intervals from the base tone within the selected scale (as opposed to well tempered tuning used nowadays). That is because in practice, natural tuning suits the healing and relaxing properties of Hulam used during music therapy better.

When choosing your ideal instrument, it is necessary to first choose the preferred number of tones your Hulam will have and secondly, the type of tuning you need. When you intend to play solo, the tuning is irrelevant. If you plan to play Hulam together with other instruments, the tuning needs to be adjusted appropriately (tempered tuning). If you need any assistance with choosing the right tuning for your instrument, please, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Individual tones used in a major diatonic scale (7 tones) within the natural tuning are characterized by their specific relationships determined by mathematical fractions (frequency of the specific tone relative to the base tone):

Pentatonic instruments are comprised of a base tone, second tone, third tone, fifth tone and a sixth tone of the diatonic scale. They are ideal for beginner players and children because they provide an unexperienced player with an effortless joy of playing.